Humberto Leon and Alexander Wang

It isn’t love, it’s total infatuation. Effortlessly transitioning the signature insouciant-meets-luxuriously gritty aesthetic of his ready-to-wear collection, Alexander Wang’s sophomore season of shoes is causing just as much fanfare as his first effort.

Humberto met with the CFDA Winner to catch up and talk about the line.
Humberto Leon: How long have we known each other? Alexander Wang: Eeek my memory is fading!HL: Have you ever had a nickname that didn't originate from some variation of your name?AW:Hmmm does “Wangsta” count?

HL: That works!What did you dress like in high school? AW: Oh I went through too many phases to count.

HL: What did you wear to prom? AW: :)HL: You had your first fashion show at your brother’s wedding. Have you carried over any of your original designs to your new collections?AW:Hahahaha, not YET.HL: What was your first piece of designer clothing? AW:A brown leather jacket from The Gap when I was in 5th grade. It was designer for me back then!HL: What is your favorite comfort food and what memories do you associate with it? AW:Anything Asian after midnight.HL: We are in the same neighborhood and we always talk about food, what are your favorite secret places here that you are willing to share? AW:Hmmm well they wouldn’t be secret anymore, but I’m happy to share. I eat Nha Trang on Baxter Street about four times a week.HL: What music have you been playing in the studio lately? AW: Anything by Rye Rye or MIA- I love them.

HL: Is there a song that you can't get out of your head right now? (I was in LA and can't get "Birthday Sex (techno version)", out of my head). AW:Hahahahaha! Gaga’s “Paparazzi”. It's pretty addictive.HL: Are there any movies that you think have some of the coolest style?AW:Too many to list but some of my favorites have been Batman Returns, The Fifth Element, and Empire Records.HL: Were you ever obsessed with any television shows?AW: “Married with Children” and “Martin” were definitely two of my favorites.HL: I love your take on creepers this season. Do you have any specific punk inspirations or favorite characters? AW:Honestly, I just wanted to do a casual combat boot meets sneaker for girls that felt cool, and that didn’t look like they came from the gym.

HL: Last season, your shoes caused girls to cry in our store because they missed the window of opportunity to buy those few 20 pairs that were available. Did you think that would ever happen?AW:That's insane!
HL:Have you ever cried in a store? (I did when I was in 6th grade because I wanted this Hi-Fi from K-Mart called "New Wave" but my mom thought it was crap).AW:Yeah, when I was also about 5 and dad wouldn’t buy me something from the Oakland Flea Market.HL: Your line had a waiting list last season and I expect the same this season. Why do you think that they have the same effect of the Beatles coming to America? AW:Funny!

HL: What kind of shoes do you personally wear? AW: Sneakers- usually Vans or Nike.